Hematologic and serum chemical characteristics of mononuclear leukemia in Fischer 344 rats

Hematologic, serum chemical, and histopathologic studies were performed on 17 aged Fischer 344 rats with mononuclear leukemia. Twelve of the rats had leukemic hemograms, while five had nonleukemic or marginally abnormal differential leukocyte counts. Hematologic findings revealed that all rats were profoundly anemic. Serum chemistry studies confirmed the occurrence of icterus observed clinically, a finding consistent with hemolytic anemia. Alanine aminotransferase and serum alkaline phosphatase values were elevated.